Which practice is required before starting a centrifuge run?

Which practice is required before starting a centrifuge run?

• A. Open the chamber while the rotor is turning
• B. Balance tubes with another tube of the same volume on the opposite side
• C. Use different volumes in each tube
• D. Do not wait for the rotor to stop before opening

Answer: (B)

Balancing the load is essential before starting a centrifuge run. When the rotor spins at high speed, any mismatch in mass around the axis creates unbalanced centrifugal forces. Placing a tube of the same volume on the opposite side cancels these forces, keeping the rotor stable and reducing vibration, wear, and the risk of damage or injury. Other practices are unsafe or ineffective: opening the chamber while the rotor is turning can lead to injury; you should wait for the rotor to stop before opening; using different volumes in each tube creates an imbalance; and not waiting for the rotor to stop before opening is hazardous.

Balancing the load is essential before starting a centrifuge run. When the rotor spins at high speed, any mismatch in mass around the axis creates unbalanced centrifugal forces. Placing a tube of the same volume on the opposite side cancels these forces, keeping the rotor stable and reducing vibration, wear, and the risk of damage or injury.

Other practices are unsafe or ineffective: opening the chamber while the rotor is turning can lead to injury; you should wait for the rotor to stop before opening; using different volumes in each tube creates an imbalance; and not waiting for the rotor to stop before opening is hazardous.